Modular furniture

ABSTRACT

A central base unit has hinged cabinets at the ends adapted to be pivoted forwardly at right angles to the base unit to form a cubicle. A main canopy is provided on the base unit and supplementary canopies are supported on the hinged cabinets and either by dresser units or detachable legs. Wardrobes are provided for disposition outwardly of the dressers. Various subcombinations can be formed from the various parts.

United States Patent Deuschle 5/2 R X Giuselfi 5/2 R Marzillier 5/2 R Simpson, Jr. 311/111 Primary Examiner-Casmir A. Nunberg Attorney-4. H. Slough ABSTRACT: A central base unit has hinged cabinets at the ends adapted to be pivoted forwardly at right angles to the base unit to form a cubicle. A main canopy is provided on the base unit and supplementary canopies are supported on the hinged cabinets and either by dresser units or detachable legs. Wardrobes are provided for disposition outwardly of the dresscrs. Various subcombinations can be formed from the various parts.

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PATENTEU AUG 3 I971 SHEET 1 UP 7 IN VENTOR. HERBERT JAMES MHSAOUCH ATTORNEY.

PATENTEDAUG 31am 3,596,297

sum 3 OF 7 INVENTOR.

HE RBE RT JAM ES 1 H SLOI/GV/ ATTORNEY PATENTEUAus 319m SHEEI 0F 7 INVENTOR.

HE RBERT JAMES d HSLOUGH ATTORNEY.

PATENTED AUG 31911 SHEET 5 BF 7 n 77b l3b 60b mvsmorn HERBERT JAMES J H SLOUGH ATTORNEY.

PATENTED AUG 3 I971 sum 6 or 7 I ll" INVENTOR.

HERBERT JAMES J M 6'1 OUC/f ATTORNEY PATENTEUAUB 3197: 3596.297

SHEET 7 BF 7 v z m 4% INVENTOR.

v HERBERT JAMES 0/. SLOUGH ATTORNEY MODULAR FURNITURE This invention relates to modular furniture, the parts of which are adapted to be assembled in various combinations to provide attractive and convenient ensembles suitable for different rooms of the home, or for use out-of-doors.

In prior constructions known to the applicant, emphasis has been placed on convertible furniture adapted to appear as one type of furnishing during the daytime and changed into a bed or bedroom furniture at night. Great importance is placed on space-saving features which are most desirable in small or one-room apartments. Examples of this type of structure are found in the following U.S. Letters Patent: No. 2,263,328, T. D. Bouchard, Nov. 18, 1941; No. 2,672,624, V. Giuseffi, March 23, 1954; No. 2,770,813, RA. Marzillier, Nov. 20, 1956. in these instances, a bed or other bedroom furniture is made to be retractable into a sofa, wardrobe, or breakfront whereby it may be hidden during the daytime.

The present invention is directed to modular furniture which, while having certain space-saving features and being adapted for use in the bedroom, is also adapted to be utilized in combinations suitable for any room in the house or out-ofdoors. The core of the ensemble is a central or base unit flanked by hinged sidepieces containing storage areas which are herein referred to as end or bar units, but which may as readily serve as bookshelves or the like. An upwardly and forwardly curved, foldable main canopy is carried by the base unit and by small supplemental end or bar canopies which are, in turn, supported at their inner edges on the bar parts and on their outer edges by detachable legs or, alternatively, by modular dressers or bureaus. Complementary wardrobes are provided outwardly of the bureaus, and detachable mirrors are provided for the bureaus. As will hereinlater be fully described, the furniture parts may be variously assembled to provide a suitable, convenient cubicle for a bed, sofa, chairs, or the like with means for providing convenient snacks, drinks, mixers or reading material for persons in or out of bed. The parts may also be assembled to provide a portable booth for banquets or use in a restaurant. The end or bar units and base unit may further be provided with stereophonic speakers to entertain and create a relaxing, enjoyable atmosphere for the users. Further, certain of the pieces are readily combined to form a small, portable bar, end table, coffee table, large snack and drink bar, dresser-wardrobe combination, corner cabinets, etc.

In view of the foregoing, the general object of the present invention is to provide modular furniture which is readily combinable into different cubicles and ensembles suitable for use in various locations throughout the home.

Another object of the invention is to provide furniture of the above type particularly designed to create a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere for the users.

Still another object of the invention is to provide furniture as set forth above which may be utilized in a single combination or in a number of subcombinations.

A still further object of the invention is to provide furniture having the above features and characteristics adapted for both private and commercial use.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide modular furniture as set forth above wherein the different parts thereof are easily readily assembled and disassembled to construct the various combinations.

Other objects of the invention and a number of advantages thereof will be understood from the following description and the accompanying drawings, in which said drawings:

P16. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing substantially all of the components of the modular furniture of this invention and their approximate relationship when assembled:

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of a cubicle-forming ensemble of the modular furniture;

FlG. 3 is an exploded front elevational view of another cubicle-forming ensemble;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a small, portable bar combination;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view, partially in section, of the portable bar of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the upper, canopy part of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of still another cubicle-forming ensemble;

FlG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of two hinged end or bar units in open position;

FIG. 9 is a view of the hinged bar units in closed position;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a table with two canopies of the type shown in FlG. 4 mounted thereon;

FIG. 11 is a front elevation of yet another cubicle-forming ensemble;

FIG. 12 is a partially exploded perspective view of a dresserwardrobe combination;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of one dresser and a modified wardrobe;

FIG. 14 is a horizontal section taken along the line 14-14 of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a vertical section taken generally along the line 15-15 of FIG. 11, only the upper, canopy part being sectioned;

FIG. 16 is a back elevational view of a portion of the central base unit;

FlG. 17 is a horizontal section taken along the line 17-17 of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a greatly enlarged, exploded perspective view of a hinge construction; and

FlG. 19 is a perspective view of a light and backing member for mounting upon the base unit.

Referring now to the drawings in all of which like parts are designated by like reference numerals, the exploded view of FIG. 1 discloses substantially all of the parts of the present invention, oneexception being the table or chest shown in FIG. 10 which will be fully described in connection with the lastm'entioned figure.

The different furniture parts comprise a central base unit 10 adapted to support an upwardly and forwardly curved main canopy 11. The remaining parts are arranged symmetrically on either side of the central base unit 10 and are mirror images of each other, each corresponding unit being designated by a reference numeral, those on the left-hand side of the base unit being provided with the suffix letter a" and those on the right-hand side of said base unit being provided with the suffix letter b." These modular units comprise end or bar units 12a and 12b, end or bar canopies 13a and 13b, supplemental bar shelves 14a and 14b, detachable bar support legs 15a and 15b, dressers or bureaus 16a and 16b, detachable mirrors 17a and 17b, and wardrobes 18a and 18b, which are of substantially the same height as said canopies. P10. 1 also illustrates a bed 19 disposed with its head adjacent to the central base unit 10 indicating one manner of utilizing the modular furniture of this invention. The bed 19 may be of any standard construction and does not of itself form a part of the present invention.

The central base unit 10 and the main canopy 11 are detailed in FIGS. 15-19 to which reference will now be made. The base part 10 as herein illustrated is of elongated rectangular shape having a single leg 22 disposed adjacent to either end thereof. As herein illustrated, said base unit is of a height corresponding to a modern headboard for a bed which purpose said base unit serves for the bed 19 in the arrangement of FIG. 1. A light 23 is mounted on top of the base unit 10 and is provided with an elongated, rectangular backing member 24 which is adapted to be disposed across the top of the base unit with its longer dimension disposed horizontally. The backing member 24 may have either a decorative front surface or the same may comprise a mirror if desired. The rear surface of the backing member 24 is provided with a pair of angle-shaped brackets 25 each having a vertically upwardly projecting arm 26 secured to said backing member, a horizontal portion 27 disposed flatwise upon the upper surface of the base unit and projecting reanvardly from the backing member 24, and a downwardly projecting arm 28 which projects downwardly over the back surface of said base unit. The arms 28 are slidably inserted into the hat-shaped retainers 29 secured to the back of the base unit by any suitable means such as screws 30. It will be readily understood that the light 23 and backing member 24 can be easily detached from the base unit 10 by simply lifting the same upwardly whereby the arms 28 slide out of the hat-shaped retainers 29.

Each end of the central base unit 110 is provided with a pair of hinge sections 33, said hinge sections being preferably secured to the back surface of the base unit adjacent to its rear comers. The central base unit 110 is always used in conjunction with the bar units 120 and 12b, said bar units comprising small cabinets and being provided with complementary hinge sections 34 shown in FIG. 4. When the bar units 120 and ll2b are hinged to the central base unit 10 and pivoted forwardly to positions substantially perpendicular to said central base unit, said base unit is stabilized. This is illustrated in FIG. 7 wherein the bar unit 12b is in the normal, forwardly projecting position with the bar unit 120 being shown partially pivoted backwardly to reveal hinges 35 formed by the connected hinge sections 33 and 34 in a well-known manner.

As herein illustrated, the bar units 12a and Nb are of trapezoid form as seen from the top having backwardly and laterally tapered end surfaces 36a and 36b whereby when the said bar units are pivoted forwardly perpendicular to the plane of the central base unit 110, said bar units afford inwardly open shelving or cupboard space 37a and 37b adapted to store beverage refreshments, magazines and the like for the convenience of occupants of the bed I9. The bar units 120 and 12b may further be provided with stereophonic speakers 38a and 38b which can be connected to a suitable record or tape player (not herein illustrated) which can also be carried in the shelving 37a or 37b or seated upon one of the bar units. Alternate or additional speakers 39a and 39b may be provided in the central base unit W adjacent to either end thereof.

Referring again to FIGS. -19, the main canopy Ill comprises a frame constructed from metal bars or the like and comprising a plurality of foldable ribs 42 connected horizontally by flat, straight bars 43. The foldable ribs 42 are spaced laterally across the top and back of the central base unit 10 as shown in dotted lines in FIG. 2. Each foldable rib comprises a plurality of rib sections 44, 45, 46 and 47 hingedly connected to each other. The rib sections 44 and 45 are arcuate in form whereas the rib sections 46 and 47 are straight in form. The arrangement is such that when the foldable ribs 42 are in the extended or opened positioned as shown in full line in FIG. 13, they provide a canopy frame which extends upwardly from the rear edge of the central base unit it) and then arches over the base unit and substantially forwardly thereof. The uppermost and most forwardly projecting ends of the top arcuate rib sections 44 are laterally connected by an angle member 48.

FIG. 18 shows in detail the hinge construction between each adjacent pair of rib sections, said construction adapted to limit the outward or open position of the canopy to prevent it from folding backwardly. All of the hinges are identical in form and the one herein illustrated is that connecting a rib section 44 to a rib section 45. As illustrated, the rib section 45 has a central, integrally formed tongue 49 which is rolled to provide a transverse opening 50 to receive a hinge pin indicated at 51. The rib section 44 is provided with a pair of laterally spaced and rolled tongues 52 having transverse openings 53, said tongues 52 being adapted to project on either side of the tongue 49 whereby the openings 50 and 53 are coaxial and the hinge pin 51 can be projected therethrough. In addition, the rib section 44 is provided with a longitudinally projecting central tongue 54 which is slightly offset from the plane of the rib section 44 and projects over the end of the rib section 45 whereby said rib sections can pivot outwardly to only a limited extent but may fold inwardly upon each other without restriction. Thus, the main canopy lll can be folded downwardly as indicated by the dotted line showing of FIG. 15 by means of the abovedescribed hinges but will retain a definite shape when folded upwardly and outwardly as illustrated in full line in said figure. Said main canopy is preferably provided with a decorative covering or padding as indicated at 55.

Means for mounting the main canopy It to the central base unit 10 comprise hat-shaped retainers 56 substantially similar to the retainers 29 and adapted to receive the lower ends of the bottommost ribs 47. As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the retainers 56 are secured to the back surface of the base unit M by any suitable means such as screws 57. The forward surfaces of the lower ribs 47 are provided with forwardly projecting stops 58 which are spaced upwardly from the lower ends of said ribs and overlie the upper surface of the central base unit 10.

From the foregoing it will be seen that all of the parts thus far described can be readily disassembled and that the main canopy II can be folded for easy handling, storage and manipulation.

Referring now particularly to FIGS. l and 46, the end or bar canopies 13a and 13b comprise curved backwalls 60a and 60b defining a curvature complementary to the form of the main canopy 11 and have inner edge flanges 59a and 5% respectively. The upper and forward edges of said bar canopies are provided with inner vertical supports 61a and 61b and outer vertical supports 67a: and 62b. The said bar units are also provided with outer sidewalls 63a and 63b and inner shelving 64a and 64b. Base shelves 65a and 65b project part way inwardly from the sidewalls 63a and 63b generally coplanar with the lower ends of the vertical supports 61a and 61b and 62a and 62b. As best seen in FIG. 2, the inner edge portions of the said base shelves are stepped on their lower surfaces as indicated at 66a and 66b, the stepped portions of said base shelves projecting over the outer edges of the bar units and 1l2b. Adjacent to the inner edges of said bar units 120 and 12b, the upper surfaces of said units are provided with upwardly opening slots 67a and 67b adapted to receive downwardly projecting tongues 68a and 68b which extend downwardly from the flanges 59a and 59b adjacent to the inner ends of the backwalls 60a and 60b, and from the lower ends of the inner vertical supports 61a and 61b.

Referring now particularly to FIG. 6, the bottom of the bar unit ll2b is shown, it being understood that a mirror image construction thereof is provided for the bar unit 112a. It will be seen that the base shelf 65b is provided with a pair of fixed, threaded nuts 6% and that the bottom edge of the outer side wall 63b is provided with a resilient strip 70b of rubberlike material. It will be further noted that the bottom of the inner vertical support 61b and the inner rear corner of the back wall 601; are provided with resilient bumpers or pads 71b.

The bar units 12a and 12b may be in either the form indicated in FIG. I wherein they are provided with the supplemental bar shelves 14a and 14b, or said supplemental shelves may be eliminated as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4. Where the supplemental bar shelves 14a and Mb are utilized, the same are secured in any suitable, well-known manner to the bottom surfaces of the base shelves 65a and 65b. In such instance, threaded nuts of the type shown in FIG. 6 at 69b are permanently fixed to the bottoms of said supplemental bar shelves whereby legs 15:: and 15b having upwardly projecting, threaded studs 74a and 74b are connected directly to the bottoms of the base shelves 65a and 65b.

FIG. 2 shows one arrangement of the above described modular parts. In this ensemble, the central base unit 10 has the bar units 12a and 12b hingedly connected to either side thereof and projecting forwardly. The bar canopies 13a and 13b are mounted or positioned with the tongues 68a and 68b inserted into the slots 67a and 67b, respectively, and are supported at their outer edges by the longer legs 73a and 73b. The main canopy lll is mounted upon the central base unit 10 in the manner described with the lateral edges thereof disposed coincidentally with the curved backwalls 60a and 60b of the flanking bar canopies 13a and 13b. The angle member 48 connecting the upward and forwardly directed ends of the upper ribs 44 of the main canopy frame extends laterally over the upper ends of the inner vertical supports 61a and 61b of the bar canopies 113a and 13b, respectively. The upper ends of said vertical supports 61a and 61b are provided with upwardly projecting, threaded studs 76a and 76b adapted to project through suitable openings in the ends of the angle member 48. Suitable decorative fastening nuts 77a and 77b engage the upper ends of the studs 76a and 76b respectively, whereby the main canopy 11 is fully supported. As illustrated in FIG. 2, a davenport or sofa 78 is placed in the U-shaped cubicle formed by the above assembly of base unit, main canopy, bar units and bar canopies. It will be readily understood that this arrangement may be used with a bed 19 as illustrated in FIG. I or with chairs and/or tables to provide a cubicle affording privacy for dining, conversation, and the like.

In the arrangement shown in FIG. 3 in exploded view, the central base unit would be hingedly connected with the bar units 12a and 12b with the said central base unit supporting the main canopy II at its rearmost edge. In this arrangement, the forward upper edge of the main canopy 11 is supported by a pair of decorative posts 8011 and 8011 having upwardly directed threaded studs 81a and 81b and downwardly directed tongues 82a and 82b. The studs 81a and 81b project upwardly through openings in the angle member 48 and are secured by means of the decorative fastening nuts 77:: and 77b, respectively. The tongues 92a and 82b are inserted into slots 67a and 67b of the bar units 12a and 12b respectively. A further slight modification is shown in FIG. 3 wherein the light 23 is separately mounted upon the central base unit by separate brackets 83 in the manner hereinabove described in connection with the backing member 24 and said light. Instead of utilizing said backing member, the modification of FIG. 3 utilizes a pair of mirrors 84a and 84b which are separately and detachably mounted upon the central base unit 10 by brackets 85a and 85b.

FIG. 11 shows yet another arrangement of the modular furniture wherein the central base unit 10, bar units 120 and 12b, bar canopies 13a and 13b, and the main canopy 11 are all assembled in the manner described in connection with FIG. 2, However, instead of utilizing the longer legs 73, in the form of FIG. 11, the dressers or bureaus 16a and 16b are used to support the outer edges of said bar canopies. Said dressers or bureaus are provided with suitable drawers 88a and 88b for the storing of clothing and the like and are of such height as to provide support for the bar canopies. The resilient strips 70 on the bottoms of the bar canopies rest upon the top surfaces of the bureaus 16a and 16b and prevent scratching as well as provide a frictional grip to prevent sliding. The wardrobes 18a and 18b are provided outwardly just beyond the dressers 16a and 16b and the bar canopies 13a and 13b whereby a complete, compact unit is provided which when used in connection with a bed 19 provides complete wardrobing facilities for a couple in addition to the comforts, conveniences and entertainment of the bar facilities and stereophonic speakers.

It will be readily understood that any of the above arrangements could be modified such as by omitting one of the dresser wardrobe units and the corresponding bar canopy and substituting one of the posts @012 or 80b. This might be necessary or desirable where a room provides limited space or a particular problem of space arrangement.

The remaining views illustrate ways in which the different pieces of furniture hereinabove described can be arranged and used in various combinations. The combinations suggested do not, however, pretend to be exhaustive.

In FIG. 4, a bar unit 12b and a bar canopy are combined with legs 73!) to provide a separate, small portable bar or snack table which may be conveniently set up or moved to any location either indoors or outdoors.

FIG. 5 illustrates the manner in which the two bar units 12a and 12b may be hingedly connected together and disposed at an attractive angle to provide a comer cupboard, a stereophonic listening unit, or other attractive and useful piece of furniture. FIG. 9 further illustrates the manner in which the bar units 120 and 12b may be completely folded together to serve, for example, as a coffee or end table.

FIG. 10 shows the two bar canopies disposed with their open sides contiguous and mounted upon a small table or chest 94} provided with doors 91 at the front opening into suitable storage space for bottles, glasses, silverware and the like. This combination provides an attractive bar or snack storage unit for any room or patio. Tl-le upwardly projecting studs 76a and 76b of the bar canopies would preferably be covered by the decorative fastening nuts 77a and 77b, respectively. The central portion of the chest is provided with suitable slots 92 to receive the downwardly projecting tongues 68a and 68b.

FIG. 12 shows the manner in which the dressers or bureaus 16a and 16b with their respective mirrors 17a and 17b attached may be placed side-by-side with the wardrobes 18a and 18b flanking them to complete the ensemble. Thus a complete dressing and grooming area is provided suitable for two people with little floor space being utilized.

FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate an alternative form of wardrobe indicated by the reference numeral 95 adapted for use where there is little or no space for opening a swinging type door such as those shown at 20a and 20b on the wardrobes 18a and 18b. Whereas the wardrobes 18a and 18b are of trapezoid shape as seen from above with attractive, angularly disposed doors 20a and 20b, the modified wardrobe 95 has an arcuate front surface or frame 96 which curves rearwardly into a hollow sidewall 97. As shown in the section view of FIG. 14, the upper and lower portions of the frame 96 are provided with curved track means 98 adapted to receive a segmented flexible door made up of a plurality of vertical strips 99 hinged together along their longer edges in a well-known manner. The door 94 can be rolled or slid from a position across the door frame opening, said opening being indicated at 100, back into the hollow sidewall 97 without taking up any additional floor space.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that the present invention provides modular furniture for the bedroom or any other room in the house which can be arranged in various combinations and ensembles suited for the needs, c omfort, convenience and entertainment of the occupan lclaim: f

1. In modular furniture of the type herein described, a central base unit having a vertical front surface; a pair of end units which are mirror images of each other, each comprising a small cabinet having a vertical front surface and providing storage space accessible through said front surface; detachable hinge connection means carried at one end of each base T unit whereby said end units can be hingedly connected to the ends of said base unit and pivoted forwardly substantially perpendicular to said base unit to form a U-shaped cubicle with all of said from surfaces facing inwardly of said cubicle; said end units adapted to'be detached from said base unit and connected to each other by the hinge connection means of said end units whereby said end units can be pivoted between an open, storage access position and a closed position whereby the front surfaces of said end units are contiguous and close each other.

2. ln modular furniture as set forth in claim 1: said base unit being horizontally elongated and having one leg adjacent to each end thereof; each said end unit having one leg adjacent to each end thereof whereby to stabilize said base unit when said end units are pivoted forwardly to form said cubicle.

3. In modular furniture as set forth in claim 1: an upwardly projecting and forwardly curved canopy adapted to be detachably mounted upon said base unit when said cubicle is formed whereby the forward corners of said canopy are disposed a substantial distance above the forwardly projecting ends of said end units; a pair of vertical posts adapted to be disposed between said forwardly projecting ends of said end units and said comers; and means for detachably connecting said posts to said end units and said corners to support the forward edge of said canopy.

4. In modular furniture as set forth in claim 3: said means for detachably connecting said posts comprising means providing at least one opening in the upper surface of each said end unit;said posts having downwardly projecting members adapted to slidably interlit said openings; said posts having upwardly projecting studs; said canopy having means providing openings adjacent to said corners to receive said studs, said studs projecting upwardly above said canopy; and detachable means for engaging the upper ends of said studs to secure said canopy to said posts.

5. ln modular furniture as set forth in claim 41: a light mounted adjacent to the upper edge of said base unit within said canopy and a pair of stereophonic speakers mounted in the front surface of said base unit adjacent to said end units.

6. ln modular furniture as set forth in claim 3: said canopy including a frame comprising a plurality of like foldable ribs projecting upwardly and curving forwardly from said base unit; each foldable rib comprising a plurality of rib sections and means hinging said sections together; transverse struts horizontally connecting corresponding like rib sections of all of said ribs; said means hinging said rib sections together comprising means limiting the backward pivoted movement of said rib sec .ions whereby when said posts support the front edge of said canopy, said canopy is maintained in a predetermined shape and when said posts are detached from said canopy, said canopy can be folded forwardly whereby it is more compact for storing and handling.

7. ln modular furniture as set forth in claim 1: an upwardly projecting and forwardly curved main canopy adapted to be detachably mounted upon said base unit when said cubicle is formed whereby the forward corners of said canopy are disposed a substantial distance above the forwardly projecting ends of said end units; a pair of mirror-image end canopies comprising inner and outer vertical supports defining the front surfaces of said end canopies; each end canopy having an upwardly projecting and forwardly curved baclcwall complementary in shape to said main canopy, the upper ends of said vertical supports being secured to the upper and forwardly projecting edge of said backwall; means detachably connecting the lower end portions of said inner vertical supports and the inner lower edge portions of said bacltwalls to the upper surfaces of said end units adjacent'to the front surfaces thereof, said outer vertical supports and said backwalls projecting laterally outwardly beyond said end units; shelf means disposed within said end canopies including base shelves mounted between the lower ends portions of said inner vertical supports and said backwallsysaid base shelves having portions thereof projecting inwardly toward and overlapping the upper surfaces of said end units; leg means extending downwardly from the bottoms of said end canopies outwardly of said end units to support said end canopies; said end canopies adapted to be mounted upon said end units when said base unit and end units form said cubicle, the forward comers of said main canopy being disposed adjacent to the upper ends of said inner vertical supports; means for detachably connecting said vertical supports to said forward corners of the main canopy to support said main canopy; each said end unit, end canopy, and-associated leg means adapted to be detached from said base unit and main canopy and used as a separate, portable furniture combination.

8. ln modular furniture as set forth in claim '7: the portions of said base shelves overlapping the upper surfaces of said end units being stepped upwardly from the bottoms of said base shelves.

9. ln modular furniture as set forth in claim 7: supplemental shelf means disposed beneath and connected to said base shelves of said end canopies; said leg means carried by said supplemental shelf means.

110. In modular furniture as set forth in claim 7: said means for connecting said inner vertical supports and said inner lower edge portions of said backwall to said end units comprising means providing openings in the upper surfaces for said end units, the lower end portions of said inner vertical supports and the inner lower edge portions of said backwall having downwardly projecting members adapted to slidably interfit said openings; a table unit having an upper, flat surface of sufficient area to receive both of said end canopies seated thereon with the front surfaces thereof disposed substantially coplanar; and means providing openings in the upper medial surface portion of said table to slidably receive said downwardly projecting members whereby said end canopies are detachably connected to said table; said leg means being detachable from said end canopies whereby said end canopies.

can be mounted together upon said table to provide a separate furniture combination.

M. In modular furniture as set forth in claim 7: dressers having upper surfaces disposed at the level of the bottoms of said end canopies; said leg means being detachable whereby said leg means can be removed and said dressers can be disposed beneath said end canopies to support said end canopies.

H2. in modular furniture as set forth in claim llll: wardrobes of substantially greater height than said dressers adapted to be disposed adjacent to said dressers on the outer sides thereof away from said end units; mirrors and means for detachably mounting said mirrors adjacent to the rear upper edges of said dressers; said dressers with said mirrors attached thereto adapted to be placed side-by-side with said wardrobes disposed outwardly thereof to provide a separate furniture combination.

13. In modular furniture as set forth in claim l2: each said wardrobe having a transversely curved door frame defining an opening; a hollow wall part adjacent to one vertical edge of said door frame; track means carried by said door frame at least adjacent to the upper edge thereof, said track means following the curvature of said door frame and extending into said hollow wall part; and a flexible door mounted to said track for movement between said hollow wall part and said door frame opening. 1

M. Modular furniture for use in various combinations to provide a cubicle and accessory furniture therefor; said modular furniture comprising an elongated, central base unit having a front surface; end units hinged to the ends of said base unit and projecting forwardly of said front surface at right angles to said base unit; a detachable main canopy projecting upwardly and forwardly of said base unit; means carried by said end units supporting the upper, forwardly directed edge of said main canopy, at least one of said supporting means comprising the inner end of a supplemental, canopy detachably mounted along one side on one of said end units to provide an extension of said main canopy and projecting laterally outwardly beyond said one end unit; and detachable leg means for supporting the outwardly directed side of said supplemental canopy to provide a first cubicle ensemble; a dresser having an upper surface disposed at the level of the bottom of said supplemental canopy whereby said leg means can be removed and said dresser disposed beneath said supplemental canopy to support said canopy; and a wardrobe having a height substantially equal to the height of said canopies for positioning outwardly of and closely adjacent to said dresser to complete a second cubicle ensemble.

B5. A foldable canopy for modular furniture comprising a frame; said frame comprising a plurality of like, foldable ribs projecting upwardly and progressively forwardly; each foldable rib comprising a plurality of rib sections and a means hinging said sections together; transverse struts horizontally connecting corresponding lilce rib sections of all of said ribs; said means hinging said rib sections together including means limiting pivotal movement of said rib sections in one direction whereby said rib sections can be unfolded only until a predetermined shape is attained and whereby said rib sections can be folded in the opposite pivotal direction to make said frame more compact for storing and handling. 

1. In modular furniture of the type herein described, a central base unit having a vertical front surface; a pair of end units which are mirror images of each other, each comprising a small cabinet having a vertical front surface and providing storage space accessible through said front surface; detachable hinge connection means carried at one end of each base unit whereby said end units can be hingedly connected to the ends of said base unit and pivoted forwardly substantially perpendicular to said base unit to form a U-shaped cubicle with all of said front surfaces facing inwardly of said cubicle; said end units adapted to be detached from said base unit and connected to each other by the hinge connection means of said end units whereby said end units can be pivoted between an open, storage access position and a closed position whereby the front surfaces of said end units are contiguous and close each other.
 2. In modular furniture as set forth in claim 1: said base unit being horizontally elongated and having one leg adjacent to each end thereof; each said end unit having one leg adjacent to each end thereof whereby to stabilize said base unit when said end units are pivoted forwardly to form said cubicle.
 3. In modular furniture as set forth in claim 1: an upwardly projecting and forwardly curved canopy adapted to be detachably mounted upon said base unit when said cubicle is formed whereby the forward corners of said canopy are disposed a substantial distance above the forwardly projecting ends of said end units; a pair of vertical posts adapted to be disposed between said forwardly projecting ends of said end units and said corners; and means for detachably connecting said posts to said end units and said corners to support the forward edge of said canopy.
 4. In modular furniture as set forth in claim 3: said means for detachably connecting said posts comprising means providing at least one opening in the upper surface of each said end unit; said posts having downwardly projecting members adapted to slidably interfit said openings; said posts having upwardly projecting studs; said canopy having means providing openings adjacent to said corners to receive said studs, said studs projecting upwardly above said canopy; and detachable means for engaging the upper ends of said studs to secure said canopy to said posts.
 5. In modular furniture as set forth in claim 4: a light mounted adjacent to the upper edge of said base unit within said canopy and a pair of stereophonic speakers mounted in the front surface of said base unit adjacent to said end units.
 6. In modular furniture as set forth in claim 3: sAid canopy including a frame comprising a plurality of like foldable ribs projecting upwardly and curving forwardly from said base unit; each foldable rib comprising a plurality of rib sections and means hinging said sections together; transverse struts horizontally connecting corresponding like rib sections of all of said ribs; said means hinging said rib sections together comprising means limiting the backward pivoted movement of said rib sections whereby when said posts support the front edge of said canopy, said canopy is maintained in a predetermined shape and when said posts are detached from said canopy, said canopy can be folded forwardly whereby it is more compact for storing and handling.
 7. In modular furniture as set forth in claim 1: an upwardly projecting and forwardly curved main canopy adapted to be detachably mounted upon said base unit when said cubicle is formed whereby the forward corners of said canopy are disposed a substantial distance above the forwardly projecting ends of said end units; a pair of mirror-image end canopies comprising inner and outer vertical supports defining the front surfaces of said end canopies; each end canopy having an upwardly projecting and forwardly curved backwall complementary in shape to said main canopy, the upper ends of said vertical supports being secured to the upper and forwardly projecting edge of said backwall; means detachably connecting the lower end portions of said inner vertical supports and the inner lower edge portions of said backwalls to the upper surfaces of said end units adjacent to the front surfaces thereof, said outer vertical supports and said backwalls projecting laterally outwardly beyond said end units; shelf means disposed within said end canopies including base shelves mounted between the lower ends portions of said inner vertical supports and said backwalls, said base shelves having portions thereof projecting inwardly toward and overlapping the upper surfaces of said end units; leg means extending downwardly from the bottoms of said end canopies outwardly of said end units to support said end canopies; said end canopies adapted to be mounted upon said end units when said base unit and end units form said cubicle, the forward corners of said main canopy being disposed adjacent to the upper ends of said inner vertical supports; means for detachably connecting said vertical supports to said forward corners of the main canopy to support said main canopy; each said end unit, end canopy, and associated leg means adapted to be detached from said base unit and main canopy and used as a separate, portable furniture combination.
 8. In modular furniture as set forth in claim 7: the portions of said base shelves overlapping the upper surfaces of said end units being stepped upwardly from the bottoms of said base shelves.
 9. In modular furniture as set forth in claim 7: supplemental shelf means disposed beneath and connected to said base shelves of said end canopies; said leg means carried by said supplemental shelf means.
 10. In modular furniture as set forth in claim 7: said means for connecting said inner vertical supports and said inner lower edge portions of said backwall to said end units comprising means providing openings in the upper surfaces for said end units, the lower end portions of said inner vertical supports and the inner lower edge portions of said backwall having downwardly projecting members adapted to slidably interfit said openings; a table unit having an upper, flat surface of sufficient area to receive both of said end canopies seated thereon with the front surfaces thereof disposed substantially coplanar; and means providing openings in the upper medial surface portion of said table to slidably receive said downwardly projecting members whereby said end canopies are detachably connected to said table; said leg means being detachable from said end canopies whereby said end canopies can be mounted together upon said table to provide a separate furniture combination.
 11. In Modular furniture as set forth in claim 7: dressers having upper surfaces disposed at the level of the bottoms of said end canopies; said leg means being detachable whereby said leg means can be removed and said dressers can be disposed beneath said end canopies to support said end canopies.
 12. In modular furniture as set forth in claim 11: wardrobes of substantially greater height than said dressers adapted to be disposed adjacent to said dressers on the outer sides thereof away from said end units; mirrors and means for detachably mounting said mirrors adjacent to the rear upper edges of said dressers; said dressers with said mirrors attached thereto adapted to be placed side-by-side with said wardrobes disposed outwardly thereof to provide a separate furniture combination.
 13. In modular furniture as set forth in claim 12: each said wardrobe having a transversely curved door frame defining an opening; a hollow wall part adjacent to one vertical edge of said door frame; track means carried by said door frame at least adjacent to the upper edge thereof, said track means following the curvature of said door frame and extending into said hollow wall part; and a flexible door mounted to said track for movement between said hollow wall part and said door frame opening.
 14. Modular furniture for use in various combinations to provide a cubicle and accessory furniture therefor; said modular furniture comprising an elongated, central base unit having a front surface; end units hinged to the ends of said base unit and projecting forwardly of said front surface at right angles to said base unit; a detachable main canopy projecting upwardly and forwardly of said base unit; means carried by said end units supporting the upper, forwardly directed edge of said main canopy, at least one of said supporting means comprising the inner end of a supplemental, canopy detachably mounted along one side on one of said end units to provide an extension of said main canopy and projecting laterally outwardly beyond said one end unit; and detachable leg means for supporting the outwardly directed side of said supplemental canopy to provide a first cubicle ensemble; a dresser having an upper surface disposed at the level of the bottom of said supplemental canopy whereby said leg means can be removed and said dresser disposed beneath said supplemental canopy to support said canopy; and a wardrobe having a height substantially equal to the height of said canopies for positioning outwardly of and closely adjacent to said dresser to complete a second cubicle ensemble.
 15. A foldable canopy for modular furniture comprising a frame; said frame comprising a plurality of like, foldable ribs projecting upwardly and progressively forwardly; each foldable rib comprising a plurality of rib sections and a means hinging said sections together; transverse struts horizontally connecting corresponding like rib sections of all of said ribs; said means hinging said rib sections together including means limiting pivotal movement of said rib sections in one direction whereby said rib sections can be unfolded only until a predetermined shape is attained and whereby said rib sections can be folded in the opposite pivotal direction to make said frame more compact for storing and handling. 